Council offers extra paid leave to staff who suffer from domestic abuse

Staff at an east London council who suffer from domestic abuse are to be given 10 days paid leave to tackle the problem.

Barking and Dagenham Council says its new policy is the first of its kind in England, reflecting its 'key priority'.

It recently announced a commission to explore local attitudes to the problem and is working with welfare charity Hestia’s Everyone’s Business initiative to provide specialist support and training to develop 'domestic abuse advocates' in the workplace.

Cllr Maureen Worby, cabinet member for social care and health integration, said: 'We are proud to be the first council in the country to adopt this policy, as part of a whole system approach to tackling domestic violence and abuse.

'We are fully committed to keeping our employees and residents safe: in the home, on the streets and in the workplace.

'Our policy for employees who are enduring, witnessing or using abusive behaviours has been reshaped to provide support to managers and colleagues so they can assist victims, and challenge and support alleged perpetrators to change.'

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Local Government News

The December issue of Local Government News looks at the consequences a council may face if it is unable to provide statutory services, the launch of Liverpool’s housing company and how councils can best manage roles in local authority companies.

It also has a special section on green building and energy efficiency including what funding is available to enable councils to deliver heat networks and how councils can pay for ‘smart buildings’.